As part of an initiative to adapt to impacts of climate change in the National Capital Region, the National Capital Commission (NCC) and the City of Ottawa commissioned a new climate projections report.
The report predicts that the National Capital Region will become warmer and wetter in the coming decades and how actions to mitigate emissions and adapt will determine the impact of these changes.
These projections will help city officials “better understand the impact of climate change on communities, infrastructure, the economy and the natural environment. Having consistent regional climate information will help us develop resilience and adaptation initiatives, and reduce future impacts.
‘’The NCC is focused on creating a greener and more sustainable National Capital Region by addressing climate change, building resilient infrastructure, protecting natural capital, promoting sustainable agriculture and transportation, and connecting Canadians with nature,” said Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson. “These climate projections put into sharp relief the importance of accelerating our efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.’’
The City of Ottawa declared a climate emergency and committed to take action to protect Ottawa’s economy, ecosystems and community. One priority is to develop a climate resiliency strategy to make sure that Ottawa is prepared to adapt to changing climate conditions. This study is the first milestone for this project.
In 2018, the NCC’s Board of Directors approved a five-year Sustainable Development Strategy, providing a focused and innovative agenda for environmental leadership in Canada’s Capital Region, and serving as an overarching element to be included in all the NCC’s plans, strategies, policies and operations.
Projections will be used to identify risks both from gradual changes in temperature and precipitation and from extreme events (such as heat waves, flooding and storms) and guide development of a long-term climate resiliency strategy, and the National Capital Commission’s creation of a plan to manage the greatest risks.
Key findings:
The National Capital Region will become warmer in all seasons, and wetter during fall, winter and spring.
- The calendar of the seasons will shift, with later fall and earlier spring.
- Extreme heat events will become more common.
- Winters are expected to become shorter, with fewer snowfalls.
- Precipitation will increase in volume and intensity.
The National Capital Commission and the City of Ottawa relied on data and advice from Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Canadian Centre for Climate Services. CBCL Limited was hired as the consultant to develop the climate change projection models and prepare the report.
Feedback from stakeholders including Ville de Gatineau, Public Services and Procurement Canada, Hydro Ottawa and local conservation authorities was included in the report.